Pediatric Palliative Care and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe role of palliative care in pediatric critical care medicine is described, with a focus on communication practices, complex chronic medical disease, end-of-life care, and moral resiliency.Recent FindingsPalliative care medicine has an increasing presence in pediatric critical care medicine. The model for delivering quality palliative care from a primary to consultative role is evolving, as increasing numbers of patients and families benefit from this additional layer of care and advocacy. Palliative care medicine is complementary care at all levels and focuses on collaborating with families and patients by understanding values, contextualizing the traumatic nature of their experiences, and communication through shared decision-making. Enhancing and strengthening palliative care skills of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) clinicians will provide one possible mechanism for addressing moral distress.SummaryPalliative care is an essential component of comprehensive care for our patients and families facing critical and life-threatening illness of any severity or prognosis. It augments and complements intensive care treatments, and it is based on need, not prognosis or outcome.
Source: Current Pediatrics Reports - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research